By: Mark Hevland, Head of Risk Management
markh@isb.ac.th
We would like to remind you of some of the Nichada and Thailand driving regulations. Golf carts are not allowed to be operated on public roads in Thailand, but are accepted within the Nichada Community. Nichada rules, as detailed in the March 2018 Nichada Thani Newsletter, clearly state that you must “Have a valid driving license on your person if you are the operator of a vehicle”. A golf cart is considered a vehicle.
Please note that this rule applies to everyone in Nichada. Students in High School are only allowed to drive a golf cart if they have a valid driving license.
As noted in the ISB High School Handbook:
– Only students with a valid Thai driver’s license may drive/park a car on campus
– Students who are 15 years or older may drive/park a motor scooter on campus provided they:
- Have a Thai driver’s license for their age group.
- Obtain a parking permit sticker from the HS Office.
- Always wears a motorcycle helmet (and only carries passengers with helmets) on and off campus.
ISB follows, and supports, all Thailand regulations and driving laws. Operators of motor vehicles in Thailand must have a valid drivers license. Thai law allows a student of 15 years old to apply for a license which allows them to operate a motor scooter at 110cc or less. To obtain a license to operate a car or motor cycle over 110cc, applicants must be 18 years of age. All expats living in Thailand are required to get a Thai drivers license.
Here is some guidance as to how to do so, for those not aware.
Option 1:
You have a valid International Driving permit or you have a current driver’s license from your own country. (If your Drivers License is not in English, it must be translated into Thai or English and certified by your embassy.)
With either of these documents you may apply for Thai Driviers License without the automated and driving tests. You will still need to take and pass the eye-color and reaction tests and attend 1-4 hour Video Class.
Option 2:
If you don’t have a valid drivers license from your own country OR your license is currently not in English (and you don’t want to go to the embassy to get it translated into Thai or English and verified):
You need to take an eye-color and reaction test, attend the 1-4 hours traffic law class, the automated test (you will be given a traffic law book in English to study first), and an outdoor driving test the next day. The whole process may take two days and you must pass all sections.
You can apply for the driver’s license at any Land Transportation Offices in Thailand. There is an office located in Nonthaburi: https://her.is/2ITzBzu.
More information about a getting a Thai driver license can be obtained here.
www.dlt.go.th/en/two-year-license/